Air-compressor and attachm ent for locomotives



(No Model.)

, T. P. SWEENEY. AIR "COMPRESSOR AND ATTACHMENT FOR. LOCOMOTIVES.

Patented Nov. 2, 1886.

wuc/wto v versed to a point slightly back of half-stroke;

the air-brakes of a train are supplied, or for V be used.

' which is coupled to the engine, the valve E is 7 UNrT ED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS P. SWEENEY, OF SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA.

AlR-COMPRESSOR AND ATTACHMENT FOR LOCOMOTIVES.

' SPECIFICATION Iorming part of Letters Patent No. 352,102, dated November 2, 1886.

Application filed March 23, was.

To all whom, it may concern: I

Be it known that I, THOMAS PVSWEENEY, of Sacramento, Sacramento county, State of California, have invented an Improvement in Air-Compressors and Attachments for Locomotives; and I hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact descriptionof the same.

My invention relates to a means for employing the ordinary steam-cylinders and valve-motion of a locomotive for the purpose of compressing air in' the reservoir from which any other purpose where compressed air may It consists of a pipe or pipes connecting the steam chest or cylinder with the reservoir, and suitable cocks by which the communication may be made or cutoff at will.

Referring-to the accompanying drawings for a more complete explanation of my invention, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a, locomotive, showing the one cylinder and steamchest, the air-reservoir, connecting-pipes, &c. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the hood-operating levers and exhaust-nozzles. Fig. 3 is atransversesection of same.

I A is the steam-chest, and B the cylinder of a locomotive of the ordinary construction.

0 is a pipe leading backward and connecting with the air'reservoir D, a valve or cock being arranged at E to open or close communication with the steam-chest, and a check valveat a point where the pipe opens into the air-reservoir. The valve E is operated by means of a rod, F, extending backward into the cab or within reach of the engineer, so that it may be easily reached.

The operation of the apparatus will then be as follows: When it is necessary to force air back to the air-brakes under the train of cars,

opened by the engineer by means of the rod F, and the valve-gear of the engine is rethen, if the engine is moving in a forward direction, the pistons .of the main cylinders will act to draw air into the cylinders either through the exhaust-pipes, or, if desired, through valves or openings communicating with the exterior air, and will force it'through the steam-chest A, valve E, and pipe 0 into the air-drum D until any desired pressure has strokes.

been produced, and from the air-reservoir this Serial N 0. 196,306. (No model.)

haust-pipes H, its outer end communicating with the open air through the front of the smoke-box, (in which the exhaust-pipes are located.) This hood or cap moves on a guidepipe, I,so that when steam is used in the cylinders the hood can be withdrawn, so as to leave a free escape for the steam through the exhaust-pipes; but when it is desired to use the cylinders for pumping-air. thehood can i be moved over the pipes. There will then be no danger ofcinders or dirt ofany kind passing into the cylinders or valve-seats, so as to cut or scratch them.

The device may be used at any time when p the train is under sufficient headway, and from the size of the cylinders it will pump air to a high pressure in the reservoir in a very few It is especially useful and available when running down grades.

Havingthus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The combination, with the steam chest or cylinder of a locomotive-engine, of the exhaust-pipes H, a hood, G, fitted to move over said pipes, the lever engaging and moving said hood, the pipe I, communicating with the exterior air and guiding the movements of the hood, and the pipe 0, connecting the steam chest or cylinder with the air-reservoir, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The steam-chest A, the pipe 0, and the valve E, in combination with the operatingrods F, the exhaust-pipes H, the hood G,fitted on top of said pipes, and engaged and operatedby suitable levers, as shown, and a pipe, I, passing through the smoke-box into the exterior air and guiding the movements of the hood, all constructed and arranged to operate as herein described.

THOMAS P. SWEENEY.

,Witnesses:

, S. H. NoURsE,

H. 0. LEE. 

